Established in 1837 as Republic of Texas port of entry and customs office. In the Civil War had defenses of one cavalry, one artillery and three infantry companies. guarded shipping against the Federal blockade, admitting to port vital factory goods, guns, gunpowder, medicines. Guarded access to upriver ports that loaded out cotton, received guns. Stood sentry over coastal troop movements by rail, wagon or horseback from Texas to eastern battles. Was swept in 1862 by yellow fever brought in by ships from Havana. Ailing men had to spike their guns. Lost Sabine City to the Federals, who burned Taylor's Bayou Railroad bridge and planned to make coastal plantations their commissary. Recaptured in Jan. 1863 by Confederates, the Pass made military history Sept. 8, 1863, when fewer than 50 men under Lt. Dick Dowling defeated large Federal fleet bringing in 5,000 troops to conquer Texas and cut her off from remainder of the Confederacy. Battlefield park and monument open to public. Now a commercial fishing and marine repair center. Entrance from the Gulf of Mexico of Sabine-Neches Waterway. Important because of the petrochemical and oil industry along the shores.